. >> the pentagon is cutting the usair craft carrier fleet in the persian gulf to demonstrate the effect looming defense cuts could have on the military. it will have to trim flying hours and lockheed's fighter jets. billions of dollars in automatic cuts known as the sequester are set to take effect march 1st if congress doesn't delay or cancel them. outgoing secretary of defense leon panetta called lawmakers irresponsible. >> it is difficult to believe, frankly, that congress would simply stand aside, stand aside, fail to make the decisions necessary to resolve this crisis and allow the defense, economy and quality of life of america to be irreparably damaged. >> thou, some health and senate republics have offered a plan to cut the federal workforce and use those savings too void the full 85 billion sequester. a similar plan failed to gain any traction last year. however, will this time be different? mark parkinson, former governor of kansas, ceo, and a real pleasure to have you with us. >> great to be here this morning. thank you. >> we would like you to start by looking at this seques